The iris Nebula - NGC 7023 or Caldwell 4. A bright reflection nebula is situated in the constellation Cygnus. The designation NGC 7023 actually refers to the open cluster within the reflection nebula and the nebula itself is designated LBN 487.
A Reflection nebula, unlike an emission nebula, is 1300 Ly away and 6Ly across (Nemiroff & Bonnell 2004), and reflects light from nearby stars, in this case, a magnitude 7.4 star designated SAO 19158 (Perkins 2005). The nebula is also located near a magnitude 3.23 Mira-type variable star called T Cephei (the red star in the upper right-hand corner) which is nearing the end of its life. If this star were in place of our Sun, its photosphere would hit the orbit of Mars. (Van Leeuwen 2007)
A Reflection nebula, unlike an emission nebula, is 1300 Ly away and 6Ly across (Nemiroff & Bonnell 2004), and reflects light from nearby stars, in this case, a magnitude 7.4 star designated SAO 19158 (Perkins 2005). The nebula is also located near a magnitude 3.23 Mira-type variable star called T Cephei (the red star in the upper right-hand corner) which is nearing the end of its life. If this star were in place of our Sun, its photosphere would hit the orbit of Mars. (Van Leeuwen 2007)
The data collected here was 4 hours’ worth. I did have more data but forgot calibration frames and dust spots ruined part of the photo, so will have to collect more data, and replace the one night’s worth.
This target, while technically being a nebula, is a broadband target, you only need a UV/ IR filter and short exposures depending on the size of your scope. The above photo was taken with thirty secs exposure for 4 hours. Achieving around 10 hours will reveal more dust and structure, as well as the fainter dust in the outer parts of the frame.
This target, while technically being a nebula, is a broadband target, you only need a UV/ IR filter and short exposures depending on the size of your scope. The above photo was taken with thirty secs exposure for 4 hours. Achieving around 10 hours will reveal more dust and structure, as well as the fainter dust in the outer parts of the frame.